So says Paula Oliver in this morning's NZ Herald
The Serious Fraud Office probe into New Zealand First's finances announced late yesterday makes Winston Peters' suspension as a minister unavoidable.
Mr Peters was defiant last night in the face of the announcement of an investigation into the fate of donations to his party, calling the inquiry "ridiculous in the extreme".
However, the serious nature of the probe makes it impossible for him to hold a Government role as crucial as Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Prime Minister Helen Clark has set precedents of standing down ministers during inquiries and last night she conceded this immediately - while offering no defence of Mr Peters.
"I think it's best if he listens to his advisers this evening, and I will talk with him tomorrow," she said.
